_ Who was he?

_Ulr._ An old Bohemian--an imperial gipsy. 290

_Iden._ A gipsy or Bohemian, 'tis the same,
For they pass by both names. And was he one?

_Ulr._ I've heard so; but I must take leave. Intendant,
Your servant!--Werner (_to_ WERNER _slightly_), if that be your name,
Yours. [_Exit_ ULRIC.

_Iden._ A well-spoken, pretty-faced young man!
And prettily behaved! He knows his station,
You see, sir: how he gave to each his due
Precedence!

_Wer._ I perceived it, and applaud
His just discernment and your own.

_Iden._ That's well--
That's very well. You also know your place, too; 300
And yet I don't know that _I_ know your place.

_Wer._ (_showing the ring_).
Would this assist your knowledge?

_Iden._ How!--What!--Eh!
A jewel!

_Wer._ 'Tis your own on one condition.

_Iden._ Mine!--Name it!

_Wer._ That hereafter you permit me
At thrice its value to redeem it: 'tis
A family ring.

_Iden._ A family!--_yours!_--a gem!
I'm breathless!

_Wer._ You must also furnish me,
An hour ere daybreak, with all means to quit
This place.

_Iden._ But is it real? Let me look on it:
_Diamond_, by all that's glorious!

_Wer._ Come, I'll trust you: 310
You have guessed, no doubt, that I was born above
My present seeming.

_Iden._ I can't say I did,
Though this looks like it: this is the true breeding
Of gentle blood!

_Wer._ I have important reasons
For wishing to continue privily
My journey hence.

_Iden._ So then _you are_ the man
Whom Stralenheim's in quest of?

_Wer._ I am not;
But being taken for him might conduct
So much embarrassment to me just now,
And to the Baron's self hereafter--'tis 320
To spare both that I would avoid all bustle.

_Iden._ Be you the man or no, 'tis not my business;
Besides, I never could obtain the half
From this proud, niggardly noble, who would raise
The country for some missing bits of coin,
And never offer a precise reward--[ct]
But